We Can Work It Out!

As the days draw in and the mornings turn frosty, finding the motivation to move can feel like an uphill battle and the snooze button a huge temptation… Yet at Wylde, we’ve discovered that sticking with — or starting — a winter workout routine isn’t just about keeping fit. It’s about boosting how we think, feel and perform at work. Movement doesn’t need to be a marathon or a military challenge; it’s about finding something that feels good, lifts your spirits and sets you up for the day — whether that’s a gym class, a lunchtime jog round the park, yoga before breakfast, or a walk with the dog.

We’ve always championed balance in everything we do — not just in how we design workplaces, but in how we live our lives and work together as a team. Exercise, especially during the darker months, is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to maintain that balance. When we move our bodies, we’re doing so much more than burning calories — we’re literally changing how our brains work.

Studies have shown that exercise boosts levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin — the neurotransmitters responsible for focus, motivation and mood. A 2019 study even found that regular aerobic exercise increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in learning and memory. That means that those lunchtime runs and early morning yoga sessions aren’t just good for your physical health; they’re actively sharpening your brain, improving concentration and helping you handle complex tasks more effectively.

There’s also growing evidence that exercise can boost creativity and problem-solving. Researchers found that walking increases creative output by an average of 60%. It’s why those “walk and talk” meetings or quick strolls between tasks can be so productive — movement helps ideas flow more freely. When our brains are oxygenated and energised, connections happen more easily, and suddenly that tricky project or design challenge starts to look more manageable.

The mental benefits don’t stop there. Exercise helps reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, and triggers the release of endorphins — those wonderful “feel good” chemicals that boost our mood and make us more resilient to pressure. In an office context, that translates to clearer thinking, more patience, and a better ability to collaborate and communicate. When we feel better, we work better — it’s as simple as that.

At Wylde, we all make time to get moving in our own ways. Some of us head to spin class or the gym before work; others take advantage of a crisp lunchtime walk, or spend the evening unwinding with yoga or a swim. The point isn’t what we do, but that we do something — something that energises rather than drains, something that keeps us feeling connected and capable through the winter.

Exercise is so much more than a fitness routine — it’s a foundation for better thinking, stronger motivation and genuine wellbeing. And when those things are in balance, it shows up in the work: sharper ideas, calmer reactions, and more inspired collaboration.

So this winter, rather than dreading the dark mornings or the cold evenings, try seeing them as an invitation to find what works for you. Step outside for a walk, join that class you’ve been putting off, or turn a dog walk into your daily reset. Your body, your brain, and your work will all thank you for it — and we promise, come spring, you’ll feel the difference.